Minton majolica was created by
Joseph Leon Francois Arnoux who was appointed Art Director at Minton in 1848.
His primary task was to introduce and promote new products. At the time there
was great interest in classical design and bright color. Arnoux decided to
reintroduce the work of Bernard Palissy, whose naturalistic, bright colored
"maiolica" wares had been popular in the 16th century. However,
Arnoux used a thicker body to make pieces more sturdy. This body was given a
coating of opaque white glaze which provided a surface for over painting
in brightly
colored opaque glazes. Later, transparent glazes were used over relief
molding. This new Minton majolica was promoted, in London, at the Great
Exhibition of 1851.